Last year only 57.1% of Norfolk’s public schools were accredited with the Virginia Department of Education. That’s a failing grade by any measure. I will bring a strong commitment to rebuilding our schools, expanding career and technical programs, fostering constructive collaboration with our school board, and championing for the public education that our children deserve and our city needs to grow and thrive.
Rebuilding Our School Facilities
Our children deserve to learn in safe, modern, and well-maintained facilities. Many of Norfolk’s school buildings are aging and in need of significant renovations or replacements. I will advocate for the funding and timely completion of these projects, ensuring that every student has access to a learning environment that supports their academic success. This includes not only physical improvements but also integrating technology and creating spaces that foster collaboration and innovation. By prioritizing these construction and renovation projects, we can provide our students with the modern facilities they need to thrive and show our commitment to the future of education in Norfolk.
As we move forward with these important projects, it’s crucial that we also consider the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic portions of our school campuses. For example, the historic sections of schools like Maury High School offer a unique opportunity to preserve Norfolk’s architectural heritage while meeting modern needs. I will advocate for a balanced approach that includes preserving these historic structures and adaptively reusing them for purposes such as housing, while constructing new, state-of-the-art educational facilities on other parts of the campus. This approach not only honors our city’s history but also maximizes the use of available space in a way that benefits the broader community.
By prioritizing these construction and renovation projects—and integrating thoughtful preservation and adaptive reuse strategies—we can provide our students with the modern facilities they need to thrive and demonstrate our commitment to both education and the preservation of Norfolk’s unique character.
Expanding Career and Technical Education Programs
Expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs is essential to preparing our students for the workforce. These programs provide valuable skills and training that align with the needs of local industries, offering students a direct pathway to high-paying jobs. I will work with the school board, local businesses, and higher education institutions like ODU, NSU, and TCC to expand CTE offerings and ensure they are integrated into our broader economic development strategies. This will help retain our talented youth in Norfolk and build a workforce that meets the demands of our growing industries.
Supporting and Retaining Teachers
Our teachers are the backbone of our education system, and we must do more to support and retain them. In partnership with our school board, I will advocate for competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and improved working conditions for teachers. This includes reducing administrative burdens and providing the necessary classroom resources to allow teachers to focus on what they do best—teaching. By investing in our educators, we can improve student outcomes and build a stronger, more resilient education system.
Ensuring Equity in Education
Every child in Norfolk deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their neighborhood. I will work to ensure that resources are distributed equitably across all schools, particularly those in underserved areas. By addressing disparities and providing equal opportunities for all students, we can create a more just and effective education system in Norfolk.
Setting Measurable Goals for Success
We need clear, measurable goals to ensure that our investments in education are paying off. I will work with Norfolk School Board to agree on metrics that we can collectively use to monitor our progress such as the accreditation rates, graduation rates, and literacy levels. These goals will be regularly monitored, and progress will be transparently reported to the community, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Getting a Better ROI on our School Investment
Norfolk spends more per pupil on education than most other cities in Hampton Roads and across Virginia. Despite this investment, only 57.1% of our schools were accredited last year—a clear sign that we are not getting the return on investment that our taxpayers deserve. For every tax dollar collected in Norfolk, approximately
thirty cents is allocated to education, making it one of the largest expenditures in our city’s budget totaling over $200 million of local money annually, yet the outcomes do not reflect this level of investment. We must ensure that every dollar spent translates into better educational outcomes for our students
By improving our return on investment, we can provide higher-quality education without necessarily increasing spending. This means holding the school administration accountable for results, minimizing administrative overhead from excess facilities, and prioritizing programs that have a proven track record of success. Norfolk’s taxpayers deserve to see real improvements in our schools, reflecting the substantial financial commitment they make to education each year.
Rebuilding Trust in Our Schools
Rebuilding trust in Norfolk’s public schools starts with fostering strong, collaborative relationships with our elected school board members and school administration. These relationships appear strained in the past and I will endeavor to bring fresh perspective, rekindle these relationships, and get to work in moving towards our common goal of improved public education for all Norfolk residents.
Supporting Parents and Great Neighborhoods
There's a lot more that goes into creating an environment where our children can succeed. Learn more about my policies on
"Supporting Parents", great "
Neighborhood Amenities", strengthening "
Safety", excelling in "
Basic City Services", and investing in "
Walkable and Bikeable Streets".
